Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a positive comparable store sales growth in Q2, with mid-single-digit increases for new stores opened in the past couple of years [4][5] - E-commerce sales accelerated by nearly 18% in Q2 compared to Q1, indicating a strong performance in the online segment [5] - Gross margin improved by 30 basis points year-to-date, with a full-year guidance of an increase between 10 to 60 basis points [41][42] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The introduction of the Jordan brand has contributed to double-digit growth in the combined Nike and Jordan business [17] - The company has expanded its Nike assortment, increasing the square footage dedicated to Nike products by 10-15% in stores [28] - The company has seen a mid-teens acceleration in sales from customers earning over $100,000 annually, indicating a shift towards higher-income consumers [10][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Traffic from the lowest two income quintiles (under $50,000) has declined in high single digits, while the middle income quintile remains stable [8][9] - The company has successfully attracted higher-income customers, with a notable increase in sales from those making over $100,000 [10][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on long-term growth through new store openings and enhancing its e-commerce platform, aiming for a 20% penetration in omni-channel sales [48] - The strategy includes expanding the Jordan brand presence in stores and leveraging customer feedback to enhance product offerings [20][21] - The company aims to maintain its core value proposition while also catering to higher-end consumers through new brand introductions [39][40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about sustaining same-store sales growth, citing successful initiatives and a focus on value [37][38] - The company is navigating challenges related to tariffs and inflation, but believes its value positioning will help retain customers [63][64] - Management anticipates some market consolidation due to the financial pressures on companies with weaker balance sheets [80] Other Important Information - The company has successfully pulled forward inventory to mitigate tariff impacts, with inventory up 8% in dollars and 4.5% in units per store [71][72] - The capital allocation strategy remains focused on stability, with a significant portion of cash flow reinvested into the business and share buybacks [59][60] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for the consumer environment in FY '5 compared to FY '4 - Management expects the environment to remain the same but acknowledges potential challenges from tariffs and inflation [63] Question: Pricing and elasticity response - Management noted varied responses to price increases, with some categories experiencing unit erosion while others remained stable [65][66] Question: Inventory growth expectations for the second half - Inventory is expected to taper off as the company manages elevated average unit retail prices [72][74] Question: Margins outlook outside of tariff costs - Management sees upside opportunities in supply chain efficiencies and cost management [75][78] Question: Competitive landscape and market share consolidation - Management anticipates some consolidation in the market due to financial pressures on weaker companies [80]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q1 fiscal 2025 were $1,350 million, down 0.9% year-over-year, resulting in a negative 3.7% comparable sales (comp) [13][26] - Operating income was $69.3 million, with diluted EPS at $0.68 and adjusted EPS at $0.76 [30] - Gross margin improved to 34%, a 60 basis point increase from the previous year, driven by merchandise margin expansion and favorable shrink [28][29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Footwear and apparel were the strongest categories, remaining roughly flat year-over-year, while sports and recreation also showed improvement [14][26] - Athletic footwear posted a positive 4.5% comp, led by brands like Nike and Brooks, while the Jordan brand exceeded internal expectations [27][19] - Outdoor category faced challenges, particularly in ammunition sales, but fishing and firearms showed solid increases [14][28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company observed increased foot traffic from customers with household incomes over $100,000, indicating a shift towards value-seeking behavior among higher-income consumers [12][37] - E-commerce sales increased by 10% for the quarter, with penetration growing to over 10% [17][26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on new store expansion, planning to open 20 to 25 new stores in fiscal 2025, with five locations opened in Q1 [15][16] - E-commerce growth is a key pillar, with efforts to enhance the online shopping experience and expand product offerings [17][18] - The company is leveraging technology, including RFID and handheld devices, to improve inventory accuracy and customer experience [21][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about navigating tariff impacts and consumer behavior, emphasizing the importance of value in a challenging economic environment [7][25] - The company is adjusting its guidance to account for various tariff scenarios, with sales expectations ranging from $5.97 billion to $6.26 billion [35][36] - Management noted the fragility of the U.S. consumer environment but remains confident in long-term growth strategies [24][25] Other Important Information - The company returned over $100 million of free cash flow to investors in Q1, including share repurchases and dividends [34] - Strategic actions taken to mitigate tariff impacts included pulling forward $85 million in domestic inventory receipts at pre-tariff prices [31][32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Retention of higher-income consumers - Management noted that retention among higher-income consumers has been strong, with these customers shopping more frequently across various product categories [41][42] Question: Performance in May and impact of Jordan brand - Management indicated that while May showed a slight decline, the Jordan brand continues to perform well, and they remain optimistic about Q2 due to upcoming shopping events [45][46] Question: Health of the consumer and impact of weather - Management attributed softness in certain categories to weather conditions and noted that consumer behavior is cautious, with a focus on value [52][53] Question: Tariff outlook for fiscal 2026 - Management emphasized the importance of diversifying sourcing to mitigate future tariff impacts, but refrained from speculating on specific outcomes [80][81] Question: Gross margin guidance - Management explained that gross margin guidance remains unchanged due to effective inventory management and partnerships with suppliers to mitigate cost increases [56][63]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted earnings per share for Q1 2025 were $0.22, down from $0.88 in the previous year [29] - Total sales for Q1 2025 were $614.2 million, a decline of 6.8% year over year, which was below expectations of a 5% to 6% decline [26][27] - Consolidated gross margin decreased to 45.4%, down 150 basis points compared to last year [27] - Operating earnings were $12.2 million, resulting in an operating margin of 2% [28] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - Brand Portfolio sales declined by 6.9%, with gross margin at 43.8%, down 280 basis points due to lower initial margins and higher markdown reserves [27][28] - Famous Footwear sales decreased by 6.3%, with comparable sales down 4.6%, but e-commerce sales increased by 2.5% [20][21] - The Brand Portfolio's lead brands, including Sam Edelman and Allen Edmonds, represented about 60% of sales and 80% of operating earnings [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Brand Portfolio gained market share in women's fashion footwear despite overall sales declines [11] - Famous Footwear gained 0.5 points of market share in shoe chains within the kids category [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to reduce SG&A expenses by $15 million annually through structural cuts [7][34] - An acquisition of Stuart Weitzman is expected to enhance the company's premium positioning and direct-to-consumer presence [19] - The company is focusing on optimizing sourcing strategies and managing inventory levels in response to tariff impacts [9][32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged a challenging operating environment and emphasized the need to drive growth and profitability [6][7] - There is cautious optimism regarding back-to-school preparations, with no major cancellations reported [40] - The company is suspending guidance due to the volatile environment but is seeing improving retail trends [33][34] Other Important Information - Inventory levels increased by 8.1% year over year, with a significant portion attributed to the upcoming launch of the Jordan brand [30] - Cash flow from operations was negative $5.7 million due to lower net income and higher inventory levels [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: How are you thinking about the prices of your portfolio brands moving into the summer and fall? - The company is making selective price increases, starting with fall receipts, and is managing this in real-time with key partners [38][39] Question: What adjustments are being made for the $15 million in strategic expense cutting? - The reductions are permanent and structural, expected to begin in the third quarter, with $7.5 million in savings for the back half of the year [43][44] Question: How is the Jordan launch performing? - Early trends for the Jordan launch are encouraging, with strong sell-throughs in men's and boys' categories [56][57] Question: What is the impact of tariffs on the business? - The company is managing tariff-related challenges through factory concessions and selective price increases, but the situation remains fluid [32][60] Question: How should we think about inventory reserves and customer credit issues moving forward? - The company believes it has adequately reserved for spring product markdowns and is closely monitoring customer credit ratings [62][63]